World number five Justin Brayton returning to chase elusive Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney crown

POSTED 31/05/18 By AUS-X Open

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Fresh off the back of his most successful World Championship Supercross season to date, Justin Brayton is back for this year’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney on November 10.

After coming agonisingly close to victory in 2016 and once again finding himself on the podium in last year, the reigning Australian Supercross Champion and World Championship number five will look to challenge both his Aussie and International rivals at Qudos Bank Arena in 2018, with his eyes firmly set on the top step.

“The AUS-X Open is one of the greatest events outside of the US, and having been so close to winning it before, I’m determined to come back faster and ready to win in November,” said Brayton.

In what was undoubtedly a career-best season in the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross Championship in the USA, the American achieved six top-five finishes across the 17 round FIM World Championship series.

The 34-year-old Honda rider also claimed his first premier class 450SX main event win at the Daytona event this year, re-writing the record books as the oldest Supercross rider in history to win a World Championship event. Brayton believes this is only the start of what he’s capable of producing on two wheels and a win in Sydney is high on the agenda.

“My success so far this year has really given me confidence that I’ve got what it takes to win in Australia, and with the AUS-X Open being the biggest and last round of the Australian Championship, I really want to get the win that I’ve been so close to before.”

Event Director Adam Bailey believes that adding the current world number five to the 2018 lineup was a no-brainer and that his success so far this year in the US, as well as the previous two years in Australia, was a testament to the standard of rider Brayton is.

“Having Justin apart of this year’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney is really exciting, especially off the back of such an outstanding year so far,” Bailey said.

“Justin is such a hard working and fierce competitor. His domination of the last two Australian Supercross Championships is proof of what he is capable of and winning this year’s Daytona Supercross and finishing fifth in the World Championship proves he’s in the best form of his career.”

“I believe he’ll come out faster and stronger than ever before at this year’s AUS-X Open and be a serious challenger for the win. This year’s racing will be more unpredictable than ever!”

Honda Motorsports Brand Manager Glyn Griffiths says the return of Brayton to Australia in 2018 was exciting for the entire team as they continue to support him in his quest to win the Internationally renowned AUS-X Open.

“Justin is a remarkable racer and his achievements so far this season have solidified his position in the sport as a legend, especially after winning the illustrious Daytona Supercross,” said Griffiths.

The Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney will incorporate the fifth and final round of the Australian Supercross Championship and is one of the largest Supercross, FMX and action sports events in the world – with more extreme racing than ever before in 2018.

Featuring the world’s best on two wheels, combined with concert-like entertainment values, all within the comfort of one of Australia’s most iconic indoor venues.

With International Superstar Justin Barcia already announced, and further announcements regarding athlete line up and much more are expected to follow in the coming days.

With the Saturday night selling out within days for the past three years, fans are urged to purchase pre-sale tickets to the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney to avoid disappointment and ensures first preference of ALL available seating.

The AUS-X Open is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Pre-sale for subscribers commences 12 pm today, Thursday 31st May, with official on-sale to the public commencing 9 am Wednesday 6th of June.